Craig A. Buckingham

Craig A. Buckingham, age 91, of Storm Lake, Iowa, formerly of Alta, Iowa died Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Buena Vista Manor in Storm Lake, Iowa. A memorial service for Mr. Buckingham will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present. Those wishing to send on-line condolences to the family may do so via the funeral home website: www.fratzkejensen.com Memorials in Craigâ€™s name may be designated to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to preserve wildlife habitat. Craig Almus Buckingham was born on June 1, 1917 to Almus and Sadie (Parrott) Buckingham on the family farm north of Alta, Iowa. He was baptized at the Alta United Methodist Church and confirmed there on April 3, 1932. He attended school in Alta, and graduated from Alta High School. Following his graduation, Craig attended Iowa State University where he was a member of the ISU Wrestling team. His mother died during this time. Craig returned to the family farm to help his father, and began his lifelong vocation as a steward of the land. On October 10, 1943, Craig was united in marriage to Jeanette Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. This union was blessed with three children: Norma, Jayne and Alan. Farming was more than a job to Craig. He took great pride in his work and was a meticulous farmer with both his crops and livestock. He took great pleasure in providing for his family. Over the years, Craig cherished the time he spent with his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildrenâ€™s activities. Craig was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council. He was also involved in Ducks Unlimited, Masonic Lodge and the Alta Golf & Country Club. He loved fishing, golfing, bowling and reading. Additionally, Craig was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed observing all kinds of wildlife. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 65 years, Jeanette Buckingham of Storm Lake; his children: Norma Halverson and her husband, Craig, of Newton, Iowa; Jayne Nestor and her husband, David, of Sheldon, Iowa; Al Buckingham and his wife, Kathi, of Storm Lake; grandchildren: Katie Adams and her husband, Sean, of Newton, Iowa; Kurtis Halverson of Rockford, Illinois; Emily Truckenbrod and her husband, Mark, of Gig Harbor, Washington; Kyle Nestor of St. Paul, Minnesota; Dan Buckingham of Marion, Iowa; and Jeff Buckingham of Ames, Iowa; two great-grandchildren: Seth and Kylee Adams; one sister, Frances Jensen of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law Hazel Howard of Ankeny, Iowa; extended family and a host of friends. Craig was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Irene Anderson and Marjorie Hauge.

Craig A. Buckingham

June 1, 1917 - May 2, 2009